Right before I studied abroad, my Mom's best friend gave me a journal and ever since, I haven't travelled anywhere without it. On my plane ride home from Paris a few weeks ago, I noticed that it was the 3 year anniversary of my first post in the book. My journal has lasted 3 years, 8 countries, and 4 states. It has been my best friend through 3 life-changing years for me and if I forget any part of those years, I have my words on paper to prove where I have been and what I have done.
The reason I encourage the use of a journal is because it allows for a traveler to reflect back on their trips. The memories, the laughs, the tears (happy and sad), the hello's and good-byes, etc. are all written down by YOU and it is only for YOU. Memories last, but it is funny how quickly the little details become one and you have this big idea of how your trip was, but all those little things that mattered at the time you were there are forgotten. How I saw Paris in 2011 was very different than how I saw it in 2014, and without my journal, I wouldn't have remembered all that. From ticket stubs to dried up flowers, my journal has a little bit of everything. It is basically a scrapbook that I'm too lazy/cheap to put together. But it is my journal with my memories and that in itself makes my soul smile.
A journal can also allow you to write down the places that you liked and disliked. Restaurants, bars, cafes, tourist sites, hostels, hotels, companies..the list goes on and on. Trust me, if you don't write these things down, you will never remember them and I can promise that either you or someone you know will want to know that advice sometime in the future.
So keep a journal. Write your favorite things, write your memories, write a poem while in a park or museum that inspires you. Just document your trips more than pictures because a smile next to a monument can only say so much.
No comments:
Post a Comment